Both healthcare and dental experts strongly discourage smoking due to its addictive nature. While quitting anytime is beneficial, if you’re considering dentures, your dentist will highly recommend breaking the habit sooner rather than later. Smoking not only jeopardizes the condition of your new teeth but also substantially raises the chances of encountering severe oral and overall health issues. Continue reading to learn about what might happen if you continue to smoke while wearing dentures as well as what you can do to break this harmful habit.
Risks of Smoking for Denture Wearers
Inhaling smoke triggers a natural defense mechanism in your gums, causing them to harden in an attempt to safeguard the delicate tissues. However, whether you smoke or chew tobacco, this habit can lead to gum shrinkage and recession over time. Consequently, these changes in your gums can impact the fit of your dentures.
Ill-fitting dentures can lead to various issues like sores, inflammation, and infections. Extensive research has established a connection between ill-fitting dentures and numerous health concerns, notably an elevated risk of oral cancer. Given that tobacco usage is associated with 90% of oral cancer cases, the combination of poorly fitting dentures and smoking can further escalate your risk.
Smoking also constricts blood vessels, slowing gum healing and raising infection risk. Additionally, it damages dentures, shortens their lifespan, and affects aesthetics, leading to discoloration and chronic bad breath.
6 Tips to Stop Smoking
Quitting smoking allows gums to regenerate, supporting dentures and preventing loss of gum and bone. This reduces cancer and health risks, like cardiovascular and respiratory issues. Overcoming nicotine addiction can be tough, but these helpful tips can guide you.
- Nicotine Replacement Therapy: You can purchase over-the-counter nicotine patches, gum, and lozenges or your physician can prescribe drugs designed to help patients stop smoking.
- Avoid Triggers: Identify things that cause you to want to smoke and eliminate them or learn to avoid them to prevent a relapse.
- Delay Technique: When the urge to smoke hits, attempt to postpone the craving by engaging in a distracting activity.
- Exercise: Engaging in physical activity can divert your attention from cravings and help you stay occupied.
- Practice Relaxation Techniques: Stress levels may rise when you stop smoking, so try new relaxation methods. These can include deep breathing, yoga, or listening to music, among others.
- Get Support: Enroll in a smoking cessation program and seek support through online communities.
It’s common to give it multiple attempts before successfully bidding farewell to tobacco is common. Persistency and motivation are crucial factors in embracing a healthier mouth and body!
About Dr. Katherine Whitaker
For those seeking dental care that fosters a healthy smile, Plum Grove Family Dental stands as the perfect choice. Led by Dr. Ye Wang and her team, they take immense pride in providing Rolling Meadows patients with comforting, reliable, and personalized care. Additionally, they offer valuable insights into the benefits of dentures for those with missing teeth and the importance of quitting smoking to guarantee the success of your new smile. To schedule an appointment with the Plum Grove Family Dental team or to learn more about dentures, you can visit their website or reach their office at (847) 221-5860.